C.O.C. A. News Published by Crystal Oaks Civic Association

W WORDS FROM THE PRESIDENT: (Submitted by Hal Hemmerling)

Thank you again to all of our volunteers (committee members, directors, cleaning crews, board members, etc., etc). C.O.C.A. functions well because of all your selfless efforts, you are appreciated. The General Meetings are held the 4th Thursday of every month except July and August at 7 PM. Come & see what is going on with C.O.C.A. & enjoy meeting new & old friends. Check the calendar for events (To mention a few: Game nights, Bingo, Card Games, Dinners, Pot Lucks, etc.). At the June General meeting a Nominating Committee (Pat Cram, Edie Adamson, & Betty Antanacci) was selected by voice vote. The purpose of this committee is to canvass each member to determine their willingness to serve on the Board. The names of candidates will be presented along with nominations from the floor at the September meeting, and actual elections will be at the October meeting. The positions to be voted on this year are: Vice President, Secretary, Director (Membership), and Director (Social), starting their duties on January 1st. Have a safe and fun summer. Hope to see you at functions. Hal Hemmerling President C.O.C.A. 527-2512 (H) 928-821-0337 (C)

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!! The few volunteers we have are doing a wonderful job. However, for this organization to be a success, we need more than just a handful of volunteers – so PLEASE Contact Hal at 527-2512 – to volunteer for one of the following: Obtain advertising for the newsletter Plan fund raisers Cleaning crew (2 people per team) Hal Hemmerling, President, C.O.C.A

_________________________________________ The tennis courts have been cleaned and prepared for a new season. The keys are kept in the office and are available from any board member ____________________________________________

C.O.C.A. FUNCTIONS/UPDATES (Submitted by Rae Jarrett)

POTLUCK DINNER WITH ICE CREAM

WHEN: Sat. Aug. 19th TIME: 5 p.m. – ? COST: $2 members/$4 guests All members are asked to bring in one of their favorite dishes to share. Ice Cream will be served for dessert. You may B.Y.O.B. but coffee, soda, and bottled water will be served.

LABOR DAY PICNIC

WHEN: Mon. September 4th TIME: 1 p.m. – ? COST: $8 members/$10 guests Come join us for some pulled pork sandwiches and fried chicken. All members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share. Coffee, soda, and bottled water will be served but you may B.Y.O.B.

SPAGHETTI DINNER

WHEN: Sat. September 23rd TIME: 5 p.m. – ? COST: $8 members/$10 guests This will be a complete meal with rolls and dessert. Members may B.Y.O.B. but coffee, soda, and bottled water will be served.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

On Sat. Oct. 14th we will be hosting a 50/60s Dance. This will be a fundraiser and the public will be invited. I have DJ Jack spinning tunes for us from “back in the day.” Hot dogs, chips, and root beer floats will be served. We also will have munchies on the table and coffee, soda and bottled water will be here for your enjoyment. The cost for this event is $10 members/$15 public or 2 for $25 and tickets are available now. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the music is from 7-9 p.m. You may dress up or come as you are. Come join in on the FUN!

TOY & FOOD DRIVE

Containers will be set in the foyer starting October 1st. Please help support by giving toys or non-perishables food or both. Let’s put smiles on children’s faces and try to help feed the hungry. Thank you! (C.O.C.A. Functions & Updates cont’d on pg 2)

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Aug/Sept 2017

No. 77

(C.O.C.A. Functions & Updates cont’d from pg 1)

SPECIAL MENTION: We are trying to put together some fun things for our true blue members that attend just about everything and to get some members, who do not like to play cards or attend some of regular social events, to participate in some of our fun times. That being said, please check out the following and come and have some fun with us. --The second Thursday of every month we have a game night. 6:30 p.m. Bring the game of your choice or join in on one that someone else brings. Some of the games that have been played are Sequence, Cribbage, Tripoli, Pinochle, and of course hand and foot. Personally I would like to play Rummy Cube or Dominoes if someone has either of these two games. It is B.Y.O.B and everyone brings a lite snack to share. Check out Rae’s C.O.C.A. FUNCTIONS above, and our enclosed calendar for other fun activities. So PLEASE come join us in some fun times!!! _____________________________________________

THE “COMPUTER GUY” REPORT. . . (Submitted by our Local Computer Enthusiast)

TIPS TO FOLLOW BEFORE CALLING TECH SUPPORT: Today, companies can be contacted many different ways. However, when planning to call or e-mail a computer company, keep the below recommendations in mind. 1-If you are calling about a product have all applicable numbers written down. For example, the Serial Number and Model number of the product or computer. 2- If you are calling for support for a computer product, make sure you are next to the product in case you need to follow directions. 3- Have a piece of paper and pencil prepared ready in case additional information needs to be written down. 4- If you have Internet access try searching for an answer to your question before calling or e-mailing support. Many answers are online. 5- Make sure you have at least 30 minutes of available time, not only for the wait but the time likely required to troubleshoot the issue. 6- If your product is bad or needs replacing have all purchase information available. 7- If you are planning on purchasing or the support call is fee-based, have more than one credit card ready. 8- Finally, once you have connected with someone make sure to write down their name in case you need to get back in touch with him or her.

BOO!

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ATTENTION

TO ALL C.O.C.A. MEMBERS

Remember when leaving the Clubhouse – DOORS and WINDOWS, including Pool Gates, must remain locked at all times. LIGHTS AND FANS OFF--OUTSIDE AND INSIDE. Failure to do so, will cost us to spend more money needlessly. ________________________________________________________

SUGGESTION BOX

Please drop your suggestions for consideration by the Board in the Suggestion Box located near the front door. Please remember to give your name on the suggestion or comment.

Thank you, The C.O.C.A. Board _____________________________________________

CLUBHOUSE SIGN-IN BOOK

Please don't forget, when you come into the Clubhouse for any reason sign-in with your name and the name of any guests… DO NOT WRITE DOWN YOUR KEY NUMBER! There is now a separate book for the pool users outside. This is true for anyone in your household who uses your key code.

Thank you, The C.O.C.A. Board _________________________________________________

ATTENTION C.O.C.A. MEMBERS

The Security Alarm System for the Clubhouse comes on at night and is off at 6:30 AM. If for some reason the alarm is tripped while you are in the Clubhouse, please wait for a Board member or a representative from the Police Dept. to respond before you leave the Clubhouse.

COMMUNITY AWARENESS

Want a better community? See anything wrong? PLEASE CALL: Highway clean-up 527-7610 (county) Street lights 527-9350 (state)

795-4382

REMINDERS

TO ALL C.O.C.A. MEMBERS

According to C.O.C.A. Rules and Regulations, member families may bring two (2) guests into the Clubhouse. However these guests may not be Crystal Oaks residents. All Crystal Oaks residents who access our Clubhouse must be C.O.C.A. members. The rational for this rule, obviously, is that if Crystal Oaks residents use our Clubhouse, they should join the Crystal Oaks Civic Association. Your cooperation in enforcing this rule will be appreciated. Thank you, The C.O.C.A. Board.

C.O.C.A. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Hal Hemmerling President 527-2512

Hank Strong Vice President 746-1418

Chuck Allen Treasurer 513-4384

Paul VanNostrand

Secretary 513-4384

Debbie Guilmette Membership Chairman

212-8542

Sandy Metzler Board Member 746-1646

Sonny Gehrke Board Member 746-7340

COMMITTEES

CIVCON Chairman: Gus Krayer 586-1558 Clubhouse and Grounds Hank Strong 746-1418 Building Rental Chairperson: Roberta Jeffrey 302-893- 9614 RV Compound Manager: Glen Smith 862-336-0893 Membership Welcoming Committee: Debbie Guilmette 212-8542 Social Chairperson: Rae Jarrett 513-5042 Block Captain Chairperson: Pat Cram 746-9263 Sunshine Chairperson: Betty Westerfield 527-3270 _____________________________________________

THE C.O.C.A. NEWS STAFF

Editor Hank Rios 746-6101 Editor Roberta Jeffrey 302-893-9614

If you have any Items or Articles for an upcoming printing of The C.O.C.A. News, you may direct them to an Editor, or to any other person on the staff for consideration. The preferred format to use, if you have a computer, is Microsoft Word with Arial 10pt font. Submit them via e-mail to the Editor (riosh@tampabay.rr.com) or any Staff Member. If there are any complaints, they should be written, signed and sent to C.O.C.A., c/o The C.O.C.A. News, at P.O. Box 287, Lecanto, FL 34460. ___________________________________________

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

TREASURER’S REPORT: (Submitted by Chuck Allen)

Balances effective July 14, 2017: Checking Account Balance- $25,601.06 Fundraiser Cash Bank: $400.00 For a Combined Operating Account Balance: $26,001.06 Reserve Account: $98,707.02 Total balance of all accounts: $124,708.08 An updated financial report through June 30, 2017 has been posted in the club lobby. If anyone has an individual question concerning club finances you can contact me at 352-513-4384. _____________________________________

BUILDING AND GROUNDS:

We would like for some men, who happen to be walking at night, to please walk by the Clubhouse, go in and check that all is well. Make sure the lights are out and the doors are locked. Your help in this will be deeply appreciated. If you should hear kids/teenagers in the pool or creating mischief anywhere inside or on the clubhouse grounds, call 911 then call the President or a board member. Do not confront anyone. If we don't have them arrested they will just come back. ________________________________________________

C.O.C.A. RENTAL CHAIRPERSON: (Submitted by Roberta Jeffrey) Our Clubhouse is also available for rentals, weddings, birthday parties, etc. Please pass this info to friends, etc.

All rentals made by members for a four hour party will be $125.00; also a returnable $100 security deposit would be necessary. Set-up and clean-up time before and after parties is still one hour each, any additional time will cost only $20 per hour. For non-members parties of 60 persons or less the cost will be $250.00 and $300.00 for more than 60 persons. All deposits will be due when signing rental agreements. Plus, no members of C.O.C.A. will be allowed to

rent the Clubhouse for non-members and get the reduced rate. _____________________________________________________________________________

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MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT:

Hello I am your new membership director Debra Guilmette, taking the place of Donna Thornton who has moved to Ohio. She was director for a long time so I have some big shoes to fill. I am currently in a learning curve for the job, so bear with me. I will try to do my best with the help of all members. If you know of any new neighbors please message or call me at 352-212-8542. Also, if you transfer membership when you sell your home, it would be greatly appreciated if you would give me their name and phone number and I can have a membership sheet filled out with their info. Our membership is currently 104 with one new member and a transfer of membership.

DEBRA GUILMETTE MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

___________________________________________________________________________-_

SOCIAL COMMITTEE: (Submitted by Rae Jarrett)

Please read Rae Jarret’s C.O.C.A. FUNCTIONS on the Cover Page (1&2) for more detailed information. ____________________________________________________________________________

SUNSHINE LADY: (Submitted by Betty Westerfield)

Get Well cards were sent to: Connie Taylor – broken elbow Frank Costa - surgery on shoulder

Sympathy cards were sent to: Maria Afflerback on the death of her husband Bill Jack and Georgiana Kearns on the loss of his brother.

Please let me know, right away if possible, when you here about someone’s illness or passing and I will send them a card. If you call, please leave a message on the answering machine. Thank you!

THE C.O.C.A. MOUSE

(Submitted by The C.O.C.A. Mouse)

After a long, hot summer, Fall is right around the corner, maybe! Mouse attended the May C.O.C.A. meeting. There was a wonderful speaker named Brian, and he spoke on identity theft and staying safe at home. Unfortunately only about 12 members attended. Mouse listened to make sure he and his little mouse friend in her yellow polka-dot bikini would be safe living at the club house. Mouse says, please try to attend the meetings--none for July and August, but the fourth Thursday night at 7:00 PM the rest of the year. We need your support.” Memorial Day picnic was great. Such wonderful food and desserts and plenty for all and crumbs for Mouse. Mouse did not see his little Mouse friend, but maybe he will in August. Of course after the party a number of the party goers stayed to play cards. It’s always a nice way to end the day, especially if you win. Now two more long-time Crystal Oaks members are moving to cold country like Patti Keever did. Jeff and Donna Thornton are moving to Ohio. Guess they decided that they had to see snow again and shovel. Maybe the Thornton’s will get a snow blower for Christmas. The President and First Lady, Hal and Janice took a quick trip up to Virginia and were back in time to play cards. Mouse says they are so nice and so are all the card players and members. It was a shame that the Father’s Day brunch was cancelled because not enough people signed up for it. Mouse has been reading the paper lately and saw Connie Taylor’s picture in it with the women from her church group. Also saw a picture of Becky Rosen’s son and Hank Rios’s step son as he has graduated from West Point. Congratulations. Pat Taylor’s grand daughter, Hailee went to Jamaica on a mission trip to help the people of Jamaica. Good work, Hailee. Betty Attianese went off to New Jersey to visit family. Mouse

wonders if she got a chance to give Mouse’s regards to Broadway since she was so near. The Tuesday card players had wine, cheese and delicious desserts recently to say goodbye to Jean Tollefson as she and John are moving south, below Tampa. At least there is no snow there. The Fourth of July picnic was super. Super food and super friends. Mouse went outside and found his little mouse friend wearing her tiny weeny yellow polka-dot bikini and resting under the sago palm. Mouse gathered up some crumbs for her as she had a long trip to get back to Crystal Oaks. Thanks to Amy, Rae, Sonni, Hal, Janice and Sue Hamburg. After the great party the card players got out the tables to play cards. It was a good day. Mouse is sad that Edee Mertz passed away. She was a long-time C.O.C.A. member and a good volunteer. Mouse also was sad to hear that Bill Afflerbach, a World War II survivor, passed away. Mouse’s condolences to wife, Maria. The Social Committee got together and planned the activities for the rest of the year. Some great events are on the list. Be sure you come. Love, Mouse

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C.O.C.A. ACTIVITIES

LITERARY SOCIETY This is really POKER Night, every Monday night at 6:45 pm at the Clubhouse. Ladies and gentlemen are both welcome to join us. If interested, come down to the Clubhouse and enjoy a fun night and maybe go home a little richer.

BINGO NIGHTS

The first and third Thursdays of every month are Bingo Nights. Come try your luck and meet members, both old and new. The fun starts promptly at 7:00 PM. (Door opens at 6:30 PM). Please HELP by bringing small denomination bills. Don’t forget to bring bingo chips or pennies or something to cover the numbers. We will provide coffee and tea. Bring your own soda and snack.

TENNIS

Do you want to have fun, meet people and exercise? No experience is necessary. Come play tennis at the Clubhouse, Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Both ladies and gentlemen are welcome to play.

AEROBICS

Our usual tone and stretch and aerobic workouts are continuing every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning at 8:00 AM. Give it a try. If you have yet to join us, please come on down. Hope to see you there.

SHUFFLE BOARD

All shuffle-board equipment is kept in the storage room in the Clubhouse. So with the days getting longer you should maybe plan an early evening with some friends and try out the shuffleboard like the old days.

HAND and FOOT

The Hand and Foot group meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 1:00 pm. If you don’t know how to play we will gladly teach you. We are always looking for more players, so do come on down and join us.

____________________________________________ C.O.C.A. DINERS

Hello everyone. How time flies. It's almost the end of summer according to the calendar, but certainly not by the temperature

We will not get together in August. In September we will get together for our monthly luncheon, so please check the bulletin board at the clubhouse. Hope to see you all For more information call Lea at 352.212.6184 or 352.527.8906. _______________________________________________________ BOWLING

Everyone in Crystal Oaks is welcome to come to bowling on Fridays at 10:00 AM, at Manatee Lanes. It’s not a league, so you can come whenever you want. Plan to get to the bowling alley by 9:50 AM so you have time to put on your shoes and get your name in the scoring machines, as we start bowling at 10:00 AM sharp. Manatee Lanes (one of our advertisers), has given all bowlers from Crystal Oaks a special rate for bowling on Friday mornings ($1.00 per game). Also after bowling a group of us all go out for lunch at a different local restaurant each week. It is a nice crowd and a lot of fun; so come on and join us. If you have any questions please show up at the Manatee Lanes at 10:am.

PINOCHLE & DOUBLE PINOCHLE CARD GAME

For anyone interested in getting together with your neighbors come on down to the Clubhouse. The second Thursday of every month at 6:30 PM, there will be regular Pinochle & Double Pinochle. This is open to anyone wanting to learn the game or already knows the game. If you have any questions, please call Edie Adamson at 746-4216, or Anthea Dodgins at 249-4415. We hope to see you there.

LENDING LIBRARY

For those who are new to C.O.C.A. we would like you to know that we have a lending library of magazines and books in the Clubhouse. NOTICE: Due to limited space in the C.O.C.A. library, please do not leave magazines over 6 months old, or any catalogs, or financial reports. Please use your own discretion when bringing books or magazines to the library.

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“KITCHEN KORNER”

By Becky Rosen

BISCUITS AND PIE FILLING DESSERT

INGREDIENTS: 1 (16.3 oz) can refrigerated jumbo biscuits 1 (21 oz.) can of cherry pie filling (Note: you can replace the cherry with blueberry, peach, apple or any pie filling of your choice) ½ cup powdered sugar 1 Tbsp. milk DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Open can of biscuits and cut each into fourths. Pour pie filling into a large mixing bowl. Add cut up biscuit pieces; stir together until it’s well coated with the pie filling. Pour into baking dish and spread out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. While baking, in a small bowl, mix together the milk and powdered sugar. Drizzle over slightly cooled dessert. Enjoy!

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The C.O.C.A. membership list was issued to all members recently. Being we only publish that list once a year. To keep your list current, we will publish, in this section of the Newsletter, additions and possibly

deletions of members. Here are the newest members

: Karen & Joey Cardona- 5125 N Pitch Pine Ct - 864-423-3937

Jeff Largo - Crystal Glen - 352-212-4518 Shawn and Alesha D'Hooge -

WELCOME… SEE YOU AT THE CLUB!

Debbie Guilmette Membership Chairman

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